Originally known for her appearances on the MTV reality shows Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, Chanel West Coast is now hooking audiences with her rhymes. The petite beauty recently signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment as one of the newest rap artists to join the label. Chanel (born Chelsea Chanel Dudley) is now working on her debut album, and has recently dropped singles like “Blueberry Chills.” She spoke with Las Vegas Magazine’s Kiko Miyasato ahead of her upcoming Las Vegas performance inside Moon Nightclub at Palms on March 22.

How has the partnership with the Young Money label been going?

I just recently signed to the team. It was a long process. I was already a part of the family before the deal was done. It’s been going great. I love it. I feel like Young Money is the greatest stamp of approval you could get.

When did you start rapping? What rappers inspired you?

I started seriously pursuing rap when I was about 15. I wrote poetry since I was a little girl. I was also into music and performing arts … so it came naturally to me. It was actually Tupac that really inspired (me). I read The Rose That Grew From Concrete and that book showed me Tupac was more than a music artist, that he was a poet first and foremost. It clicked in my head one day while I was listening to Tupac—I thought that, yo, maybe I should write some poetry over some beats and start rapping.

Do you have a different persona when you’re onstage rapping, or is it 100 percent Chanel?

I am 100 percent me. I’m actually more myself in my rap music then when people see me on TV. I think it’s because I have the freedom to truly be what I want, whereas on MTV ... you’re not gonna see the real Chanel West Coast on a show that’s geared towards family and kids.

Were there any obstacles you had to overcome when breaking into the rap community?

Kind of. I feel like once people meet me and hear my music they are very welcoming, with open arms. Snoop (Dogg), once he heard my music, he loved me. (Lil) Wayne, when he first heard my music and met me, he thought I was dope enough to sign me. So … it’s all about who takes the time to listen to my music and gets it. Most of the people that hate on me are the people that don’t take the time to listen to my music, because they assume it’s not gonna be good because I’m on reality shows.

Where do you see your music career being in 10 years?

I would love to have an extremely successful music career. One of my main goals is to be recognized by the award shows like the Grammys and the MTV Music Awards. I just really want to put out albums that people love, and do successful tours and win awards for my music, because I put so much into my work.